The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1887-10-08
UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
Tho Church Thief Captured by
Susie Curtis.


Mrs. Bolton frequently gave Mrs.
Curtis what she considered sound adj
vice.
Mrs Curtis returned the compliment:
she never took it.
The last time she called Mrs. Bclton
showed quite afrectionate solicitude for
the well-being Of her friends pretty
daughter.
"Dcar Mrs. Curtis" she began,
"you really should be more careful Of
Susie. 1t is most dangerous for her to
90 frequently to the church alone"
"But she must practice on the or
gan Su,ic's mother responded, meek
": "you know there is to be grand
choral service next Sunday for the new
minister, who is to preach for the first
time
Mrs. Bclton generally ignored oppo-
sition; splendid means to get your
own way
Think Of its lonely situation in the
fields she pursued. referring to the
church There was n tramp down in
the village last night. It's not proper
for her to 90 there alone"
But she's done so ever since she
took the organ. and no harm ever
came Of it, Besides she doesn't go
alone; she takes Emily Hammond to
work the bellows"
docs she leave the door open?' de-
manded Mrs. Bolton, in magisterial
tones.
I-suppose she does" rejoined Mrs.
Curtis. with hesitation.
IL knew it," exclaimed Mrs. Bclton,
with the mir Of having convicted Susie
of capital oiIcnSc. "Bc sure To tell
her in future to lock il on the inside;"
and Mrs Belton took her leave. SUI
premely satisfied with herself. Moth
ing delighted her So much rs managing
other people.
Miss Susie was excessively amused
when her mother talked over the visit
that evening.
Never mind, mother-kins," she
said, carcssing her parent. (Susie had
pretty little pet ways.) Its rather
late in the day To lock the door now.
OF course the church is in 4 lonely sit
uation; that makes it all the safer, be-
cause nobody ever comes.
"Still, dear. think you'd better do
it, urged her mother
"Now, mamma, you know Mrs. Bel
ton always has something to complain
of. it would put us on par with her
self if she hadn't That is too absurd
after all the hours | have spent there
unmoleSted.'
The following afternoon she related
the incident to Emily Hammond with
great glce. rs they mounted the stairs
TO the organ loft The latter did not
take so cheerful Il view of the subject.
begging permission to run back and
fastcn the door on the inside.
This Susie would not hear of, and
presently they both forgot every thing
else in the grand march she was play
ing. Then followed the chants. then
the hymns. finally Susie stopped.
81 declare could play on forever"
she sighed 'just one more voluntary.
and then wc'll GO"
whats that?" said Emily. pccring
over the gallery.
"Ouly me-, from Susie.
"No. no; mean that queer rattling
sound
Susie twisted around and leaned over
the railing,
"ItS some one turning the key she
muttcrcd.
Emily grew white as death.
Lets go homr," she cried
"llush.' Susie whispered. "look
there"
Over pieces of wood lying near the
furnace for winter use stumbled heavy
feet. next the tall form of a man was
seen in one of the aislcs.
The tramp exclaimed Susie in Il
tragic whisper. Emily. what'll we
do?"
Miss Hammond had already an
swcrcd that question. She'd crcpt like
eat down stairs. and was now on the
porch. Susie followed swiftly. She
gave one glance in passing ut the in
trudcr who was nov at the top of the
church with his bl,k to her. aud was
therefore unaware rf her presence.
"Black, buShy hair she thought;
"lm sure it's matched by ferocious
face" and she crcpt after Emily.
Hes all right now she exclaimed.
meeting her friend outside the church.
aud cndcavoring to make her slacken
her speed.
IL shan't feel safe until we're out
Of the church-yard." Casped the
oiher.
They went on.
Emily" cried Susie. suddenly. 81
forgot the church plate"
IL don't WONDER" rejoincd Emily.
shortly.
Susie stopped.
I'VE must 90 back. Emily. liwont
do to let him steal il. Come"
But Emily showed no intention OF
accepting the invitation.
Catch me doing such thing. We
can't help il. Susie.
I'VE must help it," cried the brave
little LADY, "Do come back with me.
Emily"
But Miss Hammond stood upon .